Variety traits

Alfalfa productivity

Medicago sativa L.

The complex indicator of alfalfa productivity is divided into forage productivity, expressed in terms of green biomass or dry matter mass, and seed productivity, determined by the structure of reproductive organ yield.

In the reference 161 varieties crop Alfalfa, where this is mentioned in the description.

Forage productivity is measured in tons or centners per hectare of green mass and dry matter. Under irrigation, the green mass yield ranges from 50–60 t/ha or more over 3–5 cuts, while under rainfed conditions, it ranges from 15–25 to 40–50 t/ha. The normal dry matter yield for intensive varieties reaches 6–13 t/ha.

Seed productivity is measured in kg/ha and depends on plant density, the number of reproductive stems, racemes per stem, as well as the number of pods and seeds within them. Seed yield varies from 150–200 kg/ha to 500–750 kg/ha with high-level agricultural practices, with a level of 200–500 kg/ha considered optimal.

High potential productivity is achieved by maintaining proper seeding density. Excessive density contributes to shading and lodging, which reduces seed productivity. There is also an inverse relationship between the harvest stage and forage quality: early harvesting at the budding stage increases protein content but decreases the total biomass yield.

General information about the subject — on the page Productivity.

Sources8

Varieties of Alfalfa mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.